CubeSatSim Lite - alanbjohnston/CubeSatSim GitHub Wiki
The CubeSatSim Lite is a single PCB that provides the functionality of the CubeSatSim but without the cost and complexity of batteries and solar panels.
This page is for the current v2 version. For the Beta versions (white boards), see https://github.com/alanbjohnston/CubeSatSim/wiki/CubeSatSim-Lite-Beta-vB5
CubeSatSim Lite
Here is the new CubeSatSim Lite v2:
The new v2 Lite has:
- FM transceiver board
- Qwiic connector for adding sensors
- Ability to add Command and Control with a USB sound card, OTG cable, and audio jumper
The Lite runs the same software as the full CubeSatSim but uses simulated telemetry for voltages, currents, temperatures, etc.
Here is the top and bottom of the assembled Lite board:
The circuit board for the CubeSatSim Lite v2.0.1 is shown here


The CubeSatSim Lite board can be built with through-hole or SMD components and will be available at the AMSAT Store fully assembled.
The BOM is available here: https://CubeSatSim.org/bom-lite
The CubeSatSim Lite runs the same software as the CubeSatSim but it generates simulated telemetry. The parameters are randomly generated each time it restarts.
Here is the ReadMe for the CubeSatSim Lite: https://cubesatsim.org/download/cubesatsim-lite-readme.pdf
Here is a set of videos about the CubeSatSim Lite: https://cubesatsim.org/lite-videos
You can make your CubeSatSim Lite look like a real CubeSatSim with these additional parts:
The additional parts needed are to the right of the yellow line in the photo:
- USB Power Pack that fits inside the frame https://avidopower.com/product/avido-cube-2600mah-pocket-sized-smart-portable-power-bank-charger/
- Short micro USB to USB cable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YKX6W2
- 23mm standoffs (2) https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/raf-electronic-hardware/M2118-2545-SS/10073382
- 11mm standoffs (2) https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/würth-elektronik/970110151/6174769
- Extra long SMA coax cables (2) https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/taoglas-limited/CAB-01043/25550308
- Frame (4 parts) https://github.com/alanbjohnston/CubeSatSim/tree/master/hardware/frame/v2.0
- M3 plastic screws for frame (8) https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/50M030050P012/145-50M030050P012-ND/11639796
- M3 plastic nuts for frame (8) https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/709940300/732-12637-ND/9488341
- M2 plastic screws (2) for the camera https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/essentra-components/50M020040P012/11638163
- M2 plastic nuts (2) for the camera https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/essentra-components/04M020040HN/9677098
Here's how it looks assembled:
Here's how the standoffs are installed:
Here are the four sides:
Here is the schematic for the CubeSatSim Lite Board
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